LILA actors get medieval in ‘Joust!’

The people of Camelot advise young King Arthur, played by Lucas Tetrault, to choose the sword in a recent performance of “Joust!” To their surprise, he chooses a musical instrument. (Photo submitted)

Young actors from Lakes International Language Academy delighted audiences with “Joust! A Mighty Medieval Musical” in two performances on Feb. 24.

Joust performers enjoyed sharing the story of a musically-minded King Arthur and his invitation to all to imagine a world where weapons are replaced by musical instruments. In the musical, knights trade their swords for colorful percussion instruments called Boomwhackers. When struck on the ground, Boomwhackers sound out a note. Actors incorporated the instruments into the songs and story.

Music teacher Allison Foree noted, “The students worked diligently to learn acting skills and make the scenery to transform the stage into Camelot.”

Foree joked, “The instruments and the musical’s message really resonated with the students.”

LILA students in Grades 4-6 could choose to participate in the Joust musical as an elective. The cast met for twelve rehearsals during the first and second trimesters to learn the seven songs, choreography, and lines.

LILA Director Cam Hedlund said, “As part of the International Baccalaureate curriculum, drama, music, and the arts work to provide exciting opportunities for students to explore curriculum topics, express themselves, and practice being good communicators. The students’ performance really showed how hard they worked.”

LILA is a public K-6 International Baccalaureate World School offering both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese immersion tracks tuition-free to area children.

LILA will host a school tour for interested families on Tuesday, March 13 from 8:30-10 a.m. and an open house on Saturday, March 24 from 10-11:30 a.m. Call 651-464-0771– to reserve a space.